Belgian boltholes

From an adults-only retreat to a former 19th-century printing works

Atelier20, Antwerp

This adults-only retreat lies within the original walls of St Paul's Church, in the historic heart of Antwerp. There are just two suites, each with high ceilings, a private lounge and en suite bathroom; check into the Deluxe Suite for a four-poster bed and views of the church, or the Luxury Suite with its modern white decor. Breakfast is served in guests' rooms, where you can also find a minibar if you fancy a nightcap. Just a few minutes' walk away are the shops, bistros, bars and museums of trendy Eilandje.

St Paulusstraat 20, Antwerp (00 32 479 74 14 55; atelier20.be). Double rooms start at €160, including breakfast.

The Sint Niklaas B&B, Bruges

This Bruges B&B sits on a quiet cul-de-sac, in a historic building that dates back in parts to the 14th century. The three double bedrooms each have distinguishing features: the Oval Room gets its name from the shape of the ceiling's cornicing, the Belfort Room is split over two levels and the Rooftop Room has city views in two directions. The Sint Niklaas offers easy access to the city's pretty squares and canals, and once you're done pounding the cobbles, you can cosy up in front of the fire.

Sint-Niklaasstraat 18, 8000 Brugge (00 32 50 61 03 08; sintnik.be). Doubles from €120 per night, including breakfast.

Shelter 7, Ghent

This one-off apartment in the centre of Ghent, created by Belgian designer Raymond Jacquemyns, is decked out with statement furniture and vintage design pieces. With a double and single bed, it can comfortably sleep three, and although breakfast isn't served, there is a fully equipped kitchen, and the owners say they will gladly book guests a table at a nearby café. The apartment also has its own terrace – perfect for a sundowner after a day of sightseeing.

Bennesteeg 7, Ghent (00 32 498 85 62 39; shelter7.be). From €140 per night for two people.

The Herring's Residence, Bruges

If it's convenience you're looking for, The Herring's Residence in Bruges will fit the bill. The 17th-century house is situated on a small courtyard right in the middle of the city. It's not big – there's only room for two guests – but if you're looking for privacy, it's ideal. Fresh bread and croissants are delivered every morning for breakfast, and the city's Groeninge and Gruuthuse museums and the Church of Our Lady are all within walking distance.

Groeninge 39, Bruges (00 32 50 33 76 37; herringsresidence.be). The room starts at €160, including breakfast.

Snooz Inn, Ghent

This former 19th-century printing works was reborn as Snooz Inn, a boutique B&B, in 2010. The main building, situated on a quiet suburban street, has been preserved and a wooden cabin added to the garden, housing a kitchen and a breakfast room. The workshop, in which the original printing presses were stored, has been converted into two guestrooms featuring shower pods and – in one room – a TV screen projected on to a wall.

Ham 89, Ghent (00 32 496 24 14 26; snoozinn.be). Doubles start at €95; breakfast €12.50 per person.

L'art de la Fugue, Brussels

Just a two-minute walk away from the Eurostar terminal, L'art de la Fugue, which translates as "the art of running away", is the perfect place to escape to if you fancy a last-minute city break. Each of the five guestrooms is named after a different movie and the B&B is decorated with artefacts from remote parts of Africa – as well as from the local flea market. Visitors also have use of a lounge decked out with leather armchairs and a grand fireplace.

Rue de Suède 38, Brussels (00 32 478 69 59 44; lartdelafugue.com). Doubles start at €96, including breakfast.